EcoWaste Coalition is a public interest network of community, church, school, environmental and health groups pursuing sustainable solutions
to waste, climate change and chemical issues facing the Philippines and the world.

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27 February 2014

As the Bureau of Fire Protection gears up for the annual "Fire Prevention Month," an environmental watchdog urged local government units (LGUs) and the public to uphold and enforce the national ban against the open burning of trash.

In a statement, the EcoWaste Coalition reiterated the hazards of open burning, a clear environmental offense under R.A. 8749, the Clean Air Act, and R.A. 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which can also set off accidental fires.

"Despite the explicit prohibition by two of the nation's foremost environmental legislation, this 'silent killer' continues to haunt our communities in the cities and in the countryside. We therefore appeal to all LGUs to enforce the ban," observed Tin Vergara, Zero Waste Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.

LGUs’ heightened action against open burning will support the ongoing Integrated Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Project being implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau, with support from the Global Environment Facility through the World Bank, that seeks to reduce dangerous emissions from the burning of trash, the group said.

"Open burning produces loads of dangerous byproduct pollutants that are linked to a long list of health issues from headaches, eye, throat and skin irritation, asthma and heart attacks to cancers," she warned.

Some of these byproduct pollutants belong to a family of extremely harmful chemicals known as POPS, including cancer-causing dioxins and furans resulting from the burning of chlorinated materials. Dioxins and furans are known to be toxic at extremely low doses.

For example, dioxins and furans are released into the environment, accumulate in the food chain, particularly in the fatty tissue of animals and are passed to humans through the consumption of dairy products, eggs, meat and fish, she explained.

Vergara likewise emphasized that open burning terminally razes resources that could have been repaired, reused, recycled or composted. Fallen leaves and yard trimmings, for instance, could beturned into compost to nourish depleted soils.

To avoid health-damaging pollution and fires from the open burning of trash and contribute to resource conservation, the EcoWaste Coalition requested the public to consume responsibly, waste less and recycle more.

To prevent and reduce the generation of trash, the group invited the public to observe the following eco-reminders:

1.) Reduce garbage to the minimum and avoid noxious odors and pest problems by segregating discards at the point of generation.

2.) Reuse and recycle non-biodegradable discards such as papers, bottles and cans as many times as you can.

3.) Turn your biodegradable discards such as kitchen and garden trimmings into compost that can enhance soil fertility and health.

23 February 2014

The EcoWaste Coalition deplored the rampant sale of a
“small but terribly dangerous” skin whitening product loaded with mercury, a
highly toxic chemical, in Chinese drug stores in Manila and on the Internet.

In test buys conducted last February 20, the toxics watchdog group was able to
purchase Erna Whitening Cream from 10 Chinese drug stores located in Divisoria,
Quiapo and Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Erna Whitening Cream was banned by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA)
three months ago on November 20 for containing mercury above the maximum
allowable limit of one part per million (ppm).

The product,
reportedly imported from Indonesia and Malaysia, sells for P60 to P80 each and
is packed in small white plastic jar with the words "Erna Whitening
Cream" printed in gold. No other information is provided on the
product label.

The free online classified ads
websites sulit.com.ph and ayosdito.ph
offer Erna Whitening Cream for as low as P10-18, depending on the quantity
purchased.

"We abhor
the unlawful sale of this small but terribly dangerous cosmetic in Chinese drug
stores and over the Internet in blatant contempt of the government’s health
warning and product ban," said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator,
EcoWaste Coalition.

"We ask
Chinese drug store owners and online dealers not to ignore the law, desist from
selling toxic cosmetics and instead help the authorities in bringing the
illegal trade to a close," she further said.

“We likewise ask buy-and-sell websites to remove entries advertising the
prohibited product in line with their rules,” she added.

Mercury was detected in all 12 samples in the range of 2,948 ppm to whopping
11,400 ppm, or an average of 6,847 ppm, based on the chemical screening
performed by the group using an X-Ray Fluorescence device.

The samples were
obtained from New World, Pan Pacific and Vita Green Chinese Drug Stores in
Divisoria; East Asia, Golden Dragon, Hong San and JDA Chinese Drug Stores
in Quiapo; and Beauty Essential, Faith Hope and New Era Chinese Drug Stores in
Sta. Cruz.

The FDA through
Advisory 2013-053 banned "Erna Whitening Cream" and 14 other skin
lightening products for containing "violative levels" of mercury or
for failure to obtain prior market authorization from the agency.

According to the
advisory, "adverse health effects brought about by highly toxic mercury in
cosmetic products include kidney damage, skin rashes, skin discoloration and
scarring."

"Chronic
use reduces the skin's normal resistance against bacterial and fungal
infections," it said.

"Other
effects include anxiety, depression or psychosis and peripheral
neuropathy," it added.

The FDA has also
warned that "the transfer of mercury to fetuses of pregnant women may manifest
as neurodevelopment deficits later in life."

21 February 2014

The rapid filing of smuggling charges by
the customs authorities against persons responsible for the botched importation
of hazardous garbage from Canada drew positive reaction from a waste and
pollution watchdog group.

The EcoWaste Coalition welcomed the legal action taken by Bureau of Customs
(BOC) Commissioner John Sevilla against Adelfa Eduardo, owner of the Valenzuela
City-based Chronic Plastics and Leonora Flores and Sherjun Saldon, the
company’s licensed customs brokers.

The three were charged yesterday before the Department of Justice for violations
of the Revised Penal Code, the Tariff and Customs Code and Republic 6969, or
the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990,
which bans the importation of hazardous waste into the country.

“Importing hazardous trash in the guise of recycling is not only totally devious
and criminal, but a direct affront to our nation’s dignity, health and
sovereignty. It is one of the most heinous of environmental crimes that
must never happen again,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste
Coalition.

“We therefore welcome the filing of charges against the offenders and urge the
judiciary to mete out the maximum punishment possible to send an unambiguous message
to waste smugglers and traders that the Philippines is not and will never be
the landfill to the world,” she declared.

“We will keenly monitor the case as its outcome could help in preventing future
attempts to bring hazardous waste into our shores,” she stated.

Lucero announced that the EcoWaste Coalition will create an ad hoc group to
specifically follow the proceedings and observe the delivery of justice.

As the case is heard, the EcoWaste Coalition urged the government to ensure the
immediate return of the intercepted 50 container vans of garbage to Canada at
the expense of Chronic Plastics.

“The BOC is our nation’s frontline defense against the dumping of dangerous
products and wastes, and we expect our customs inspectors to foil all smuggling
bids and keep our economy and environment safe, especially from biological and
chemical hazards,” she stated.

To help the BOC effectively repel hazardous waste dumping, the EcoWaste
Coalition renewed its call for the government to ratify the Basel Ban
Amendment.

While Canada and the Philippines are parties to the Basel Convention, neither
has ratified the Basel Ban Amendment, which bans the export of hazardous waste
from developed to developing countries for recycling, disposal and other
purposes.

Ratifying the Basel Ban Amendment will protect the Philippines from being a
dumping group by shifting the burden of preventing toxic waste exports to toxic
waste generators like Canada, the EcoWaste Coalition said.

15 February 2014

"The EcoWaste Coalition is delighted to find the route of the Iglesia ni Cristo's charity walk for Yolanda disaster victims devoid of unsightly and filthy trash. We commend the organizers and participants for manifesting their solidarity with the victims in an earth-friendly way. Luneta was litter-free as it should be. Wala ring umiihi sa pader kaya di mapanghi. We hope other faith and non-faith groups conducting outdoor events will follow suit and ensure that the surroundings are kept clean and tidy as they gather for fun, leisure, politics or worship." - Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition

14 February 2014

Local and Canadian environment
and zero waste advocates today express disgust over the attempted importation
of mixed hazardous waste deceitfully declared as plastic scraps that were
fortunately intercepted by the Bureau of Customs.

"We condemn in strongest
possible terms this unabashed attempt to dump hazardous waste misrepresented as
recyclable plastic into our country," said Romy Hidalgo, an official of
EcoWaste Coalition and NGO Representative to the National Solid Waste
Management Commission, reiterating that "we are not a garbage dump.”

“It further undermines
complementary efforts of LGUs and Congress to reduce waste, specifically
plastic waste. On one hand, here we are
uniting to address our increasing plastic waste problems, while on the other,
there are efforts like this that aggravate the situation," he added.

Presently, more than 90 LGUs
around the country have enacted plastic bag bans, and a national ban is
currently being drafted in the legislative department. Waste audits conducted by environmental
groups over the years has revealed that about 75% of detritus found in Manila Bay
is composed of plastic waste, 25% of which are plastic bags.

For their part, Global Alliance
for Incinerator Alternative's Shalimar Vitan lamented that, "countries
like Canada may be beginning to think that the Philippines is the mythical
'away' of their 'throw-away' culture. No
community, let alone a country, deserves to be unjustly treated as a dumping
ground. No community is
disposable."

"Our national government
should sustain vigilance to ensure this does not happen again," she added.

In support of their Filipino
counterparts, Canadian activists also expressed their dismay over the illegal
importation of those 50 container vans of waste.

Buddy Boyd of Zero Waste
Canada added that, "we as people of Canada are deeply embarrassed at how
government policies here have caused such bad behaviour by some towards the
environment and the good people of the Philippines. This is a disgrace. The governments of Canada have created such
horrible collection methods that the materials collected are often so badly
contaminated many of the greedy haulers think they can export our mess onto
other nations. We stand with our
brothers and sisters in the Philippines who care about the environment and we
apologize as some governments here [in Canada] see the planet as a 'toilet' and
our many neighbouring countries as merely a 'cheap dumping ground'. Something is terribly wrong here in
Canada."

On the other hand, Atty.
Richard Gutierrez of BAN Toxics demanded that, "while we commend the
Bureau of Customs for catching the illegal shipment, we urge the Philippine
government to address the issue in a holistic manner by ratifying the Basel Ban
Amendment to include all hazardous waste and exports for recycling in the
prohibition."

Activists from Whitby, Ontario
in the Durham Region in Canada, the alleged source of the shipment, echoed the
sentiments of their Filipino allies.
"Whitby and Durham Councils and the Province of Ontario for that
matter should press the federal government to ratify the said amendment to
prevent Canadian/Ontario entities from shipping out unwanted discards to
developing countries, including potentially hazardous mixed plastic scraps
disguised as recyclable plastics," said Linda Gasser of Zero Waste for
Zero Burning Canada.

Basel Convention is an
international treaty designed to reduce traffic of hazardous waste between and
among nations, and specifically to prevent transfer of hazardous waste from
developed to less developed countries.
While Philippines and Canada are signatories to the convention, both
have yet to ratify the Basel Amendment which expanded the ban of shipments to
wastes meant
for recycling.

Aside from urgently returning
this illegal shipment to their sender, the groups also demanded that the DENR
notifies its counterpart Environment Canada for the violation and press proper
charges against the Canadian shipper and Philippine consignee.

“We will closely monitor how
our government will respond to this incident,” concluded Hidalgo of the EcoWaste
Coalition.

"Our deepest condolences to all and to Roy's family. We remember him for his devout commitment to make this world a clean and healthy place to live. We especially remember Roy for his participation in our fight to keep our citizens free from the clutches of addiction and pollution created by tobacco products, and particularly its lethal harm to human health. May his light always shine among us." - Rommel Arriola, on behalf of Framework Convention Alliance for Tobacco Control - Philippines (FCAP) and its partners.

13 February 2014

Nieves and daughter Mirren receive a photo collage and a certificate of appreciation for Roy Alvarez's invaluable contributions to the work of the EcoWaste Coalition in defense of public health and the environment.

“The officers, members and staff of the
EcoWaste Coalition express sadness for the untimely departureof Roy Alvarez, our former President
(2010-2012), whom we hold in high esteem for his animated commitment to the
pursuit of Zero Waste, a vision of a restored ecological order where nothing is
wasted dumped or burned.As Zero Waste
Champion, Roy traveled across the country, propagating the values of “waste
not, dump not, burn not” in countless community and school gatherings and
spreading respect and love for Mother Earth.With his powerful voice and creative presence, Roy contributed in many
ways to our quest for a litter-free and Zero Waste nation.He led us in a parade in Quiapo urging the
people to go for “bayong” and drop the plastic bag habit.In one event, he stood in silence in front of
the Quiapo Church, along with the women of Buklod Tao, holding a miniature
image of the Black Nazarene to seek public support for a garbage-free
fiesta.Wearing an “AlerToxic Patrol”
shirt, Roy spoke with Chinese drug store owners and sellers in Binondo to ask
them not to sell illegal skin whitening products laden with mercury.On three occasions, he spoke before hundreds
of young students at Claret School, Kamuning Elementary School and Marcelo H.
del Pilar Elementary in Quezon City to persuade them to usher in the New Year
sans injurious and pollutingfirecrackers.And with actress
Chin Chin Gutierrez, Roy pushed a wooden cart carrying an ailing Mother Earth
in an unprecedented march to the Commission on Human Rights to exhort the
agency to uphold the Filipino people’s right to be protected against harmful
chemicals and wastes. As we honor the memory of Roy, a gem in the Zero Waste movement,
we pray for the eternal repose of his soul and extend our heartfelt sympathies
to his loving wife Nieves and daughter Miren for their loss. Thank you Roy!” – Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator,
EcoWaste Coalition

“Yes,
thank you sincerely for letting me know about Roy's passing. I have very fond
memories of the Penang meeting, particularly the skit and most especially my
director, Roy Alvarez.I'm sure I join
you and many, many others in gratitude for Roy's warm and wonderfully creative presence
... and wishing for that we'd had many more years with him. Together in commiseration, gratitude and sadness.” – Pat Costner, USA

"As
one activist passes on, more will step up to the challenges of leadership. Salamat
Sir Roy for paving the way and for inspiring a new generation of environmental
activists.Knowing Sir Roy in a span of
several campaigns, I'm sure he would prefer us to celebrate the joyful
encounters with him, celebrate a life of commitment, passion and love for the
environment and community." – Lodel
Magbanua
“May Roy bask in green heaven.” – Ceres
Doyo, Columnist, Philippine Daily Inquirer“Green
Convergence expresses its deep sympathies to the family of Roy, to Ecowaste
Coalition and to all environmentalists who worked with Roy.We all felt his sincerity and commitment in
spreading love and passion for God's creation.Rest in peace, Roy.Pray for our
continuing work on earth.” - Dr.
Angelina P. Galang, President, Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy
Environment and Sustainable Economy

“Roy is now in the bosom of the Father. Roy, please continue to help us in our
work for the environment, which you loved very much.” - Sonia Mendoza, Chairman, Mother Earth Foundation

“I saw and spoke to him about 3 weeks ago at Italianni’s in Greenhills. He was
taking his usual veggie dinner and looked fine and healthy.Kaya shocked ako when Froi texted me the sad news.” – Baby
Reyes, Mother Earth Foundation“It is with deep sadness that I learn about the
untimely demise of our dear friend and fellow Eco-spiritual partner Mr. Roy
Alvarez.He has been an inspiring
celebrity in his earnest love for the environment and sincere passion to
steward Mother Earth.He will be sorely
missed together with Tita Odette.I pray
for the smooth passing of his soul from this life to the next.Please continue to guide us, Roy.” - Victoria M. Segovia, Executive Director,
Partnership for Clean Air

“Roy's work for the environment will be remembered. May he rest in peace.” – Rene Pineda, President, Partnership for
Clean Air

“Our prayers and condolences to the family of Roy, a dear comrade in the
fight to restore sanity in this consumption-driven world we are in.” – Atty. Gloria Estenzo-Ramos, Philippine
Earth Justice Center

12 February 2014

The officers, members and staff of the EcoWaste Coalition express sadness for the untimely departure of Roy Alvarez, our former President (2010-2012), whom we hold in high esteem for his animated commitment to the pursuit of Zero Waste, a vision of a restored ecological order where nothing is wasted dumped or burned. As Zero Waste Champion, Roy traveled across the country, propagating the values of "waste not, dump not, burn not" in countless community and school gatherings and spreading respect and love for Mother Earth.

With his powerful voice and creative presence, Roy contributed in many ways to our quest for a litter-free and Zero Waste nation. He led us in a parade in Quiapo urging the people to go for "bayong" and drop the plastic bag habit. In one event, he stood in silence in front of the Quiapo Church, along with the women of Buklod Tao, holding a miniature image of the Black Nazarene to seek public support for a garbage-free fiesta. Wearing an "AlerToxic Patrol" shirt, Roy spoke with Chinese drug store owners and sellers in Binondo to ask them not to sell illegal skin whitening products laden with mercury. On three occasions, he spoke before hundreds of young students at Claret School, Kamuning Elementary School and Marcelo H. del Pilar Elementary in Quezon City to persuade them to usher in the New Year sans injurious and polluting firecrackers. And with actress Chin Chin Gutierrez, Roy pushed a wooden cart carrying an ailing Mother Earth in an unprecedented march to the Commission on Human Rights to exhort the agency to uphold the Filipino people's right to be protected against harmful chemicals and wastes.

As we honor the memory of Roy, a gem in the Zero Waste movement, we pray for the eternal repose of his soul and extend our heartfelt sympathies to his loving wife Nieves and daughter Miren for theirloss.

11 February 2014

Be cautious on what you put on your lips
as there may be poisons lurking in your lipstick.

The EcoWaste Coalition issued this pre-Valentine warning against lipstick
products that may contain health-damaging chemical ingredients and impurities
such as arsenic, lead and mercury, which are listed in the “top ten chemicals
of major public health concern” and the “dirty dozen list of endocrine
disruptors.”

“Arsenic, lead and mercury in lipstick may be absorbed or ingested when
you lick or wet your lips, drink and eat while wearing a tainted lipstick, or
when you kiss or lock lips with someone wearing one,” said Aileen Lucero,
National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

“While instant adverse effect is not expected, be forewarned that chronic
long-term exposure to toxic metals even at low doses could harm a person’s
health,” she emphasized.

“Hazardous chemicals in lipstick and other cosmetics take their toll on the
environment, too, as these are washed down the drain and into the water
system,” she added.

In its latest bid to promote chemical safety and
healthy lifestyle, the toxics watchdog screened 70 pieces of lipsticks costing
P7 to P80 each that were purchased on February 7 from 13 discount shops in
Divisoria and Quiapo, Manila City, and in Baclaran in Parañaque
and Pasay Cities.

The samples were screened for toxic metals with a portable X-Ray Fluorescence
device using the following allowable limits under the ASEAN Cosmetics Directive
as reference: 1 part per million (ppm) for mercury, 5 ppm for arsenic and 20
ppm for lead.

At the press briefing, the EcoWaste Coalition reported that 27 of the 70
samples of lipstick (39%) were found to contain detectable levels of one or
more heavy metals above the ASEAN limits.

Lead, the EcoWaste Coalition warned, could build up in the body over time and
that leaded lipstick applied several times a day, combine with lead from other
sources such as lead paint and dust, could add up to considerable exposure
levels.

Lead exposure among women has been linked to miscarriage, premature birth,
reduced fertility, menstrual irregularities and other reproductive
disorders. Lead easily traverses the placenta and enters the fetal brain,
obstructing normal development.

II. Mercury in Lipstick

Mercury, another potent neurotoxin like lead, was found the highest in Popa #12
with 90 ppm, Kaixi Beauty #60 with 85 ppm and Chanleevi #04 with 88 ppm.

Pregnant women are very much at risk from the toxic effects of mercury, which a
mother can pass to the developing fetus. Mercury is known to concentrate
in the fetal brain, disrupting the brain development and causing lifelong
health problems.

III. Arsenic in Lipstick

High levels of arsenic, a human carcinogen, was detected in Baolishi #20 (green
case) with 497 ppm, Baolishi #20 (golden case) 450 ppm and Baolishi #20 (yellow
case) with 421 ppm.Exposure to arsenic over a long period can result to chronic arsenic poisoning
and associated health problems such as skin lesions, peripheral neuropathy,
diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

Subsequent
check at the website of the Food and Drugs Administration showed that none of
tainted samples are listed in the agency’s list of notified cosmetics.

To prevent exposure to toxic metals in cosmetics such as lipstick products, the
EcoWaste Coalition advised consumers to:

1. Assert your right to information and refrain from buying and using
inadequately labeled lipstick. A duly-registered lipstick will provide
the following information in English: product name, ingredients, net content,
instruction on usage, batch number, special precautions if any, and country of
manufacture/importer.

2. Visit the FDA website (www.fda.gov.ph) to see if
the lipstick has market authorization from the agency.

3.
Limit use of lipstick (and other cosmetics like make-up, nail polish and
perfume) to special occasions to minimize exposure to disclosed (as well as
undisclosed) product ingredients.
-end-

07 February 2014

Quezon City. An imported skin whitening product banned by the health authorities on February 9, 2010 for containing mercury levels above the allowable limit of one part per million (ppm) has resurfaced in Quiapo, Manila.

The EcoWaste Coalition, a toxics watchdog, issued the warning after purchasing five boxes of China-manufactured Jiaoli Miraculous Cream and subsequently screening them for mercury, a highly toxic chemical, using a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer.

The forbidden items were procured for P80 to P100 per box from three retailers in Manila's Quiapo District, namely, New Era Chinese Drug Store (1604 C.M. Recto Ave.), Water Dragon General Merchandise (652-A Carriedo St.) and from a street vendor at the corner of R. Hidalgo St. and Quezon Blvd.)

Based on the XRF screening, the average level of mercury in the five samples of Jiaoli Miraculous Cream was 3,049 ppm for the day cream and 4,196 ppm for the night cream.

"Jiaoli Miraculous Cream was banned in 2010 in the interest of protecting consumer health and safety, and four years later we still find retailers selling it in callous disregard for the public good," lamented Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

"Mercury-laden cosmetics and personal care products pose real threats to human health and the environment throughout their life cycle, from production to disposal, and should not be made and traded at all," she said.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Advisory 2010-002 banned Jiaoli Miraculous Cream and two other Jiaoli skin whiteners stating that "cosmetic products containing (mercury) impurities/contaminants that are way beyond the allowable limit clearly pose imminent danger or injury to the consuming public."

The EcoWaste Coalition’s latest market surveillance was prompted by a recent Health Alert by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) warning the American public not to use Jiaoli Miraculous Cream and Monsepa Bleaching Express Peeling that have tested positive for high levels of mercury.

Last January 9, 2014, the CDPH advised consumers to discontinue the use of such products as "regular or prolonged exposure can result in mercury poisoning."

As per CDPH, "symptoms of mercury poisoning include irritability, depression; nervousness, difficulty concentrating or remembering; fatigue; tremors, shaking or weakness; tingling or numbness in hands, feet or around the mouth."

To address the persistent problem, particularly in the city of Manila, the EcoWaste Coalition urged Mayor Joseph Estrada, Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno and the City Council to expedite the enactment of a city ordinance filed by District II Councilor Numero Lim to stop the illegal sale of injurious mercury-containing cosmetics.

If enacted, the said ordinance, consistent with R.A. 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, will penalize individual violators with imprisonment from one to 10 years or a fine from P50,000 to P500,000, or both.

For violators who are manufacturers, importers or distributors, the imprisonment of 5 to 10 years and the fine of P500,000 to P5,000,000 will apply.

"The stiffer penalties, we hope, would make it unprofitable for recalcitrant manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers to engage in the illicit trade," Lucero
added.

In addition, the EcoWaste Coalition urged the Bureau of Customs, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippine National Police and other relevant government institutions to support the FDA’s drive against illegal cosmetics, stressing that “interagency cooperation backed by the industry, civil society, media and the consumers” is key to getting dangerous mercury-laden cosmetics off the market and ensuring the environmentally-sound management of recalled or seized stocks.

05 February 2014

Quezon City. Following the issuance by the government of a groundbreaking policy to prevent human exposure to lead, including its ban on packaging for food and drink, a waste and pollution watchdog revealed the presence of the highly toxic chemical in some disposable as well as reusable carry bags.

The EcoWaste Coalition stated that its discovery of lead in both disposable and reusable bags should prompt the packaging industry to align its manufacturing practices with the recently approved “Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds” issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and for the latter to promptly craft the standards as provided in the said order.

“The use of lead and lead compounds shall be strictly prohibited in the production/manufacturing of packaging for food and drink,” says Department Administrative Order 2013-24 signed by DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje last December 23, 2013.

“Based on the screening we conducted, lead was detected in some carry bags that are used to pack food and non-food items. This practice should now cease given the known hazard of lead-containing products throughout their life cycle from production to disposal,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

“All carry bags will, over time, deteriorate. Wear and tear could liberate the lead out of the bag, causing it to leach to the food or get dispersed as dust. The leaded bags will eventually be disposed of in dumpsites or landfills or our rivers and seas, posing further problems to humans, other life forms and ecosystems,” she explained.

“While reusable bags are better alternatives to disposable plastic bags, manufacturers of these products should also see to it that they are free from lead,” she emphasized.

Lead, a potent neurological, reproductive and developmental toxin and an endocrine disrupting chemical, is one of the “ten chemicals of major public health concern,” according to the World Health Organization.

In an unprecedented investigation on lead in packaging materials, the group revealed that its portable X-Ray Fluorescence device detected lead on many samples of bags used for carrying food and non-food items:

1. FOR DISPOSABLE BAGS: 2,300 of the 4,300 samples (53%) of yellow sando bags had lead from 106 to 5,680 parts per million (ppm).

2. FOR REUSABLE BAGS: 52 of the 205 samples (25%) of assorted reusable bags made of natural and synthetic materials had lead from 106 to 7,308 ppm.

The presence of lead is attributed to the use of leaded colorant, ink or paint on the bag designs and markings, or the use of lead-containing polyvinyl chloride plastic, the EcoWaste Coalition explained.

The EcoWaste Coalition further said that:

a. Reusable bags made of natural materials such as indigenous plants and trees were found to be devoid of toxic metals except when leaded ingredients are intentionally used in the product designs.

b. Among the lead-safe reusable bags found were made of bamboo, banana, buri and water hyacinth woven into “bayong” and baskets, bags and pouches from recycled paper, and various tote bags made of canvas, used flour sacks, worn out clothes and pillow cases.

c. Aside from being lead-safe, the EcoWaste Coalition finds these nature-inspired reusable bags better than the plastic-based ones, which are derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource whose extraction, manufacturing and use generate greenhouse gases causing the climate to heat up.

d. The sampling shows the availability of a wide variety of natural as well as synthetic reusable bags that the business and consumer sectors are already using to replace single-use plastic bags.

“If synthetic reusable bags are preferred, consumers should choose those that are not made of PVC plastic and those without painted markings unless certified lead-safe,” Lucero said.

“While some plastic bags were found to contain low or non-detectable levels of lead, these single-use, disposable bags as far from being eco-friendly as these bags use and deplete natural resources and energy and spawn pollution, while reinforcing wasteful, throw-away behaviour,” she added.

02 February 2014

Playing turumpo, the cone-shaped whipping toy that is very popular among
young boys these days, may bring harm instead of fun, an advocacy group against
toxic chemicals and for children’s health said today.

The EcoWaste Coalition aired the warning after screening 25 new wooden tops for
toxic metals using a portable X-Ray Fluorescence analyzer and finding lead, a
highly toxic substance, in 19 of them.

The Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources last December prohibits the use of lead in the production of toys.

The said policy also sets a threshold limit of 90 parts per million (ppm) for lead in paints, which is also the US federal standard for lead in paint and surface coatings.The turumpo samples, all unlabeled, were obtained for P15 to P20 each from stores close by the Santo Niño Elementary School and in the Marikina Public Market in Marikina City, and shops at the back of Doña Josefa Elementary School in the Murphy Public Market in Quezon City.

The screening indicated the presence of lead up to 7,193 parts per million (ppm) in 19 tops.

All the 19 leaded tops also screened positive for arsenic up to 1,073 ppm and chromium up to 4,593 ppm.

“Not all turumpo are created equal, and it’s not only with the way they
spin and swirl,” declared Thony Dizon, Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition’s
Project Protect.

“Nowadays, there are tops coated with leaded paints and there are tops covered
with unleaded paints,” he said.

“Aside from eye damage and other bodily injuries due to improper use, kids
should be wary about the paint coatings on their turumpo,” he said.

Dizon explained that the paint will break off as the turumpo is hit and
damaged by opponents during top targeting that is well-liked by players.

“Top targeting disturbs the paint on the surface of the turumpo, causing the
lead in paint to turn into toxic lead dust that kids unknowingly inhale or
ingest. Children are most susceptible to lead exposure due to their
common hand-to-mouth activities,” he added.

Lead is a neurotoxicant or a chemical poison that harms the brain and the
nervous system, the EcoWaste Coalition reminded.

Studies have linked lead exposure early in life to lowered IQ, speech and
language difficulties, hearing loss, decreased bone and muscle growth,
increased blood pressure, kidney damage, behavioral problems and even
aggressive and violent behavior.

Lead is also an endocrine disrupting chemical that may interfere with the
body’s natural hormones, causing adverse developmental, neurological,
reproductive and immune effects in humans as well as wildlife

The World Health Organization has included lead as one of the “ten chemicals of
major public health concern.”

"Since kids and even adults would have no way of distinguishing which ones are
lead-safe, it’s safer to simply pick plain turumpo with no coatings and be
extra careful when playing with it,” Dizon pointed out.

About Me

is a public interest network of community, church, school, environmental and health groups pursuing sustainable solutions to waste, climate change and chemical issues facing the Philippines and the world.